Modric joins up with Croatia: "The pain's gone, my knee's fine"

Luka Modric, who made his return for Real Madrid against Leganés yesterday after just over a month out recovering from surgery, says he is not experiencing any pain to his left knee and is ready to help Croatia in this week's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Iceland, then a friendly with Northern Ireland three days later in Belfast.

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Pain has gone

The midfielder flew out to Zagreb to join up with the national team and prepare for Saturday's game and spoke to local newspaper Spotske novosti. "I'm very happy because I'm not in any pain at all. My leg's fine, the knee's stable - everything's just like it was before I got injured", he explained. "It's a great feeling to be back playing again, and to hear the fans' support coming from the stands".

Gradually building back rhythm

Croatia coach Ante Cacic is unlikely to risk Modric against Iceland and the midfielder is expected to start on the subs' bench. "After a month out of the game, it's logical that I will need a few games to build back my rhythm. Now's the moment to step up the intensity of my game and gradually increase my rhythm bit by bit so that I can get back to 100 per cent".